Manchester United have at least two central midfielders on the market this summer and club legend Peter Schmeichel believes they should make a move to bring in familiar faces.
Manager Peter Schmeichel wants Manchester United to sign Granit Xhaka this summer (Image: George Wood)
Peter Schmeichel believes it would be a no-brainer for Manchester United to sign Granit Xhaka this summer as part of ambitious plans to revamp their midfield.
The Red Devils are hoping to sign at least two new central midfielders this summer as they hope to secure a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick. Carrick is currently the favorite to become the permanent head coach after 10 of the 14 games he has coached.
A number of midfielders have already been linked with a move to United in recent weeks, including Elliott Anderson, Aurelien Choameny, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleva.
But United legend Schmeichel believes the 33-year-old would be an ideal signing after seeing him enjoy an excellent 2025-26 season with Sunderland in the Premier League.
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Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, the Danish player said: “I have[a contract]but I think, controversial as it may be, we should sign Xhaka. It’s cheaper. I would argue that we should sign Coby. We’re going to build a team around them. Casemiro leaves. What we really lack is proper leadership. They’re really good because of him.
“His leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games and he is a very good player. I know he can do it. If he does it for a year or two, we need leadership and he will be able to provide leadership.”
Schmeichel believes United will benefit from Xhaka’s leadership qualities (Image: Sky Bet)
“I know Tonali’s name has been mentioned, but has he done enough at Newcastle to warrant that? I think Xhaka brings a lot to the dressing room and has influence around him, which is rare. We desperately need more leadership.”
Xhaka became a revelation after linking up with the Black Cats, who have exceeded all expectations this term after winning promotion in the Championship play-offs.
And Schmeichel believes the former Arsenal captain will add further leadership to a team lacking leaders other than Harry Maguire and club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal (Image: Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“Harry Maguire is a great leader, I think he is, and I think Bruno is too. He’s a leader in his own way, but he leads a lot with his play. But if you look at the rest of the team, they’re followers.”
We have all been on teams led by everyone. Because Sunday and Tuesday nights, as I always say, are Tuesday nights where everything goes against you.
“You need someone to pull you by every hair, to let you play, to find little things to nurture you. And the value of having that…and I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I think it’s really good. I want someone like that.”
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